Security operatives foil mob attack on alleged blasphemy suspect in Kano
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of a man from an angry mob following an alleged blasphemy incident at a hotel in the Badawa area of Kano metropolis.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, reportedly sparked tension in the neighbourhood after the suspect was accused of making remarks considered offensive to religious sensibilities.
This allegation prompted residents of the area to converge on the hotel, threatening to take the law into their own hands.
Eyewitnesses said the situation quickly escalated as the crowd attempted to attack the suspect before security operatives arrived at the scene.
Prompt intervention by the police and other security personnel was said to have prevented the situation from degenerating into violence.
The operatives were reported to have swiftly evacuated the suspect from the premises and transported him to a safe location under heavy security to forestall further unrest.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, told this newspaper that the suspect is currently in police custody.
“Yes, it is true. The suspect is in police custody and investigation is ongoing,” Kiyawa said, without disclosing details about the identity of the suspect or the specific nature of the alleged remarks.
The police spokesman assured the public that the Command is handling the matter in line with the law and urged residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could breach public peace.
He reiterated the commitment of the Kano State Police Command to protecting lives and property, warning against mob action and encouraging members of the public to report grievances through lawful channels.